USB-C capability to power other devices

Question

USB-C capability to power other devices

Can the usb-c ports on the new Mac mini power a raspberry pi 4? Requirement is 5.1 vdc @ 2.5 A max. Nominal current draw is typically 1.5 A or less.

Posted on Jan 18, 2020 10:52 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jan 18, 2020 11:39 AM in response to David Allan Krause

The rasberry’s USB-C “port” is exclusively for connecting to a power supply i.e. it is USB C in connector only. Rest assured, the mini won’t play. This is what you need

https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/type-c-power-supply/

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,012 points

Jan 18, 2020 10:56 AM in response to David Allan Krause

Yes, you will need a USB-C to USB adapter if the raspberry has a standard USB 2.0 cable.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Jan 18, 2020 11:25 PM in response to David Allan Krause

Get a power strip, that’s the solution for limited outlets. The Mac mini isn’t one, won’t do.

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Answer 4

Jan 18, 2020 1:15 PM in response to hcsitas

Yes, I know that. I plan to have a Mac mini and two raspberry pi's in a structured media enclosure with limited ac outlets. I'm wondering if the Mac mini can serve as a power supply for the raspberry pi's over usb-c, allowing all three to be powered by the Mac's ac connection. I'm not planning to transfer data between the Mac mini and the pi's via usb-c.

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Answer 5

Jan 18, 2020 11:05 AM in response to den.thed

The new raspberry pi 4 is powered via usb-c, so that's not a problem. Do you know what the total current drive capability is? Can two usb-c ports power two raspberry pi's?

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USB-C capability to power other devices

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